I am looking to book in my surgery soon but it's just hit me how much I rely on food smoking alcohol soft drinks as coping mechanisms.

I don't have a happy life and I need to cope somehow.

Has anyone else faced this issue and how did you cope post surgery.

It feels scary to be without these things.

Thanks

Kate

It IS scary to be without those comfort foods when you rely on them everyday. It is just plain tough. I had some crying moments after surgery when I couldn't self medicate with fat and sugar. What I can tell you is it gets easier the longer you go without, but it is by no means easy. At least not for me.

Edited July 13, 20179 yr by Navigating the Wilderness

I just came across Dr. Duc Vuong's videos on youtube and he has a book with worksheets in it. He talks about making small daily changes before surgery and changing negative self-talk into positive talk and action.

Sorry to hear that, Kate. Are you on any anti-depressants or anxiety medication? I have pretty bad anxiety and occasional bouts with depression, so even though I'd like to stop taking my daily anxiety medication (Paroxetine), it's really not an option as it really does help me cope with the anxiety of upcoming surgery & lifestyle changes.

I 100% have those worries. I feel as though eating, drinking alcohol and smoking are all the fun things in my life and that once I have the surgery and can't do those things, then I won't have fun. I am going to speak to someone about it as I don't want to develop adjustment issues or anything like that. I think we just have to find something that brings us as much joy as food and all those nasty things I am getting a puppy about a week after the surgery so I have that to look forward to and I know she will keep me busy.

Good luck! I hope it all works out for you. I feel as though we aren't alone in our feelings and if everyone else can do it then we can too

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